Business guide
Start, run and grow your business
A step-by-step guide built on the U.S. Small Business Administration framework — and the Adonait Hub to bring you the funding, technology, space, team, partners and mentoring to actually do it.
Plan your business
A good plan is the foundation. Validate the idea, understand the market and map your money before you spend it.
01
Market research & competitive analysis
Use market research to find customers and competitors. Combine demographic data with real conversations to confirm demand before you build.
02
Write your business plan
Your plan is the roadmap to structure, run and grow the business. A lean one-page plan works to start fast.
03
Calculate your startup costs
List one-time costs (equipment, licenses, build-out) and monthly costs (rent, payroll, inventory) so you know how much funding you need.
04
Establish business credit
Separate business credit helps you borrow and protect personal assets. Start with an EIN, a business bank account and a business credit card.
05
Fund your business
Options include self-funding, investors, loans and grants. Match the funding type to the stage and risk of your business.
06
Buy an existing business or franchise
Buying an established business or franchise can be faster than starting from zero — do thorough due diligence on the finances and the agreement.
Launch your business
Turn the plan into a real, legal business — structure, name, registration, taxes, licenses, banking and insurance.
01
Pick your business location
Location affects taxes, zoning, permits and customer access. Check local zoning before signing a lease (the Hub can help you find space).
02
Choose a business structure
Sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation or S-corp — each affects taxes, liability and paperwork. An LLC is a common starting point.
03
Choose your business name
Pick a name available as a business entity, a trademark and a domain. Check your state registry and the USPTO first.
04
Register your business
Most small businesses register with the state (and a DBA if using a trade name). Some also register federally for trademarks.
05
Get federal & state tax IDs (EIN)
An EIN is free from the IRS and acts as your business tax ID. Most states also require a state tax ID.
06
Apply for licenses & permits
Requirements depend on industry and location — federal, state and local. Check every level before you open.
07
Open a business bank account
A dedicated account keeps finances clean and builds business credit. You'll need your EIN and formation documents.
08
Get business insurance
Insurance protects against theft, liability, property damage and lawsuits. General liability, property and workers' comp are common.
Manage your business
Keep the business healthy day to day — finances, people, taxes, compliance, marketing and security.
01
Manage your finances
Set up bookkeeping, track cash flow and separate business from personal money. Good books make everything easier.
02
Hire & manage employees
Understand payroll, employment law and benefits before you hire. Clear roles keep a small team productive.
03
Pay taxes
Most businesses pay income, self-employment, payroll and sales tax. Set money aside and consider quarterly payments.
04
Stay legally compliant
Renew licenses, file reports, keep records and follow labor rules. Compliance avoids fines.
05
Buy assets & equipment
Decide what to buy vs. lease. Track assets for depreciation and time large purchases with your cash flow.
06
Marketing & sales
Build a simple funnel: reach the right audience, capture leads and convert them. See AI Tools to scale it.
07
Strengthen cybersecurity
Protect customer data with strong passwords, updates, backups and training. Small businesses are targets too.
08
Prepare for & recover from emergencies
Have a continuity plan, insurance and backups. SBA disaster loans can help you recover (see Funding).
Grow your business
Scale with more funding, new locations, new markets and government contracts.
01
Get more funding
Growth capital comes from expansion loans, investors or reinvested profit. Show traction and a clear use of funds.
02
Expand to new locations
Research each new market like your first — demand, competition, zoning and staffing. The Hub sources the next space.
03
Merge & acquire businesses
Buying or merging can add customers, capacity or talent fast. Do careful due diligence with advisors.
04
Become a federal contractor
The government is the world's largest buyer. Certifications and set-asides give small businesses a real shot.
05
Export products
Selling abroad opens huge markets. Start with export basics, financing and trade resources.
06
Funding for women, veteran, Native & rural founders
Targeted programs and certifications support underrepresented founders — worth pursuing for capital and contracts.
Don't do it alone
Apply to the Hub and we'll bring the funding, technology, workspace, team, partners, investors and mentoring to each step.
Apply to the Hub →